Is Non-Judgment Recommended in the Quran?

In the rich teachings of the Holy Quran, abundant guidance is found for building a healthy society filled with compassion and mutual respect. One of the fundamental principles clearly derived from divine verses is the avoidance of hasty, negative, and baseless judgments of others. This principle not only contributes to an individual's mental well-being but also strengthens the foundations of trust and social cohesion. The Quran repeatedly invites people to self-knowledge and self-improvement, rarely allowing them to sit in judgment of others, for only God knows the hidden and the manifest and is the ultimate Judge of human deeds. The most significant verse directly addressing this topic is Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12: "O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful." This verse points to three main pillars of behaviors that lead to negative and baseless judgment: 'negative assumption' (su' al-zann), 'spying' (tajassus), and 'backbiting' (gheebah). **Negative Assumption (Su' al-Zann):** The Quran explicitly prohibits many assumptions, stating that some of them are sins. Negative assumption means prejudging others' intentions and actions without sufficient reason or evidence. This suspicion is the root of many misunderstandings, enmities, and social rifts. When we look at others with suspicion, we unconsciously interpret their behaviors based on that assumption and may even develop resentment and hostility towards them due to these wrong premises. By prohibiting negative assumption, the Quran teaches us to presume innocence and goodness, and to attribute good intentions to others unless proven otherwise. This approach is crucial in building healthy relationships, both at the individual and societal levels. **Spying (Tajassus):** Following the prohibition of negative assumption, Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, also forbids spying. Tajassus refers to the act of seeking out others' hidden faults, probing into their personal lives, and being curious about matters that do not concern us. This act is an invasion of individuals' privacy and an affront to their dignity. People have a right to privacy, and God has respected this right. Spying not only leads to the discovery of flaws that might have been better left hidden but often results in incomplete or inaccurate information that becomes the basis for false judgments. **Backbiting (Gheebah):** This verse uses a startling analogy, comparing backbiting to eating the flesh of one's dead brother. Backbiting means mentioning the real or imagined faults or deficiencies of others in their absence. Even if what is said is true, it is still considered backbiting, unless it is for a legitimate and necessary purpose (such as testifying in court or preventing harm). Backbiting is one of the most destructive factors in ruining human relationships and eroding trust. A person who backbites not only harms the reputation of the person being backbited but also damages their own character and pollutes the societal atmosphere. Furthermore, the spirit of avoiding hasty judgment can be observed in other verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, we read: "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - all of those will be questioned about." This verse emphasizes the necessity of investigation and gaining knowledge before making any statement or taking any action, warning individuals against involving themselves in matters about which they lack sufficient knowledge. Judging without knowledge is a clear example of pursuing that of which one has no knowledge, and therefore, it is condemned by the Quran. The Quran also emphasizes that everyone is responsible for their own actions, and the ultimate accountability rests with God. This concept is reflected in many verses, including Surah Al-An'am, verse 164 ("And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another"), and Surah Fatir, verse 18 ("And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And if a heavily burdened soul calls [another] to [carry some of] its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if he should be a close relative."). These verses remind us that no one bears the burden of another's sin, and each individual is responsible for their own deeds. Therefore, instead of focusing on judging others, it is better to focus on reforming and improving ourselves. Ultimately, the general spirit of Quranic teachings is based on forgiveness, mercy, forbearance, empathy, and covering one another's faults. The Quran aims to build a society based on love and peace, not one where individuals seek to find and highlight each other's flaws. Non-judgment, within this overall perspective, is not only recommended but is considered one of the core pillars of a believing ethic and a healthy social life. A true believer is one who seeks their own perfection and wishes good and guidance for others, rather than issuing judgments against them. Therefore, the answer is unequivocally positive; the Quran strictly prohibits personal, hasty, baseless, and unsubstantiated judgments, calling on people to exercise self-restraint, think positively, and focus on self-rectification. This teaching not only prevents individual and social harms but also paves the way for spiritual growth and proximity to God. The importance of this Quranic recommendation is more apparent than ever in the current era, where misinformation and prejudgments spread rapidly. Adhering to this Quranic principle can significantly contribute to creating a more just and compassionate society, where individuals do not judge each other based on appearances or rumors but seek to understand and support one another, entrusting matters to the absolute and all-knowing Judge, Allah the Almighty.